I can agree with those who have had great experiences. The most rewarding visit that I had was to Taylor County, WVa. in Grafton. Many of the families from the Culpeper/Madison and Spotsylvania counties of Va. migrated there before the Civil War. Although they were short staffed and rather busy, the clerks went out of her way to help me find what I was looking for.. They pointed me to records that I would have not even thought of looking. As well as local repository of records and individuals who knew of the families that I was researching. I got to spend an afternoon with this Old Geezer who rambled on and on about the history and the families who first settled in the county and made small but very significant contributions over the years. I wish that I could have had a recorder and a couple of days to spend with him. What he knows, the real down to grit history, on a personal level is unbelievable. Has anybody gone through the Records of Commitment for The Insane? No kidding. These records often give names of relatives, doctors, neighbors. Often you can find a copy of the petition for hearing and commitment. This can give you a real insight into the families and individuals who often were called on to give witness to the person's condition. The shame is as you look at these records you can see things that today would be overlooked. Many times individuals did not have any family or were orphaned and were sent to the institutions many times for their entire life... Also in the court records you can find where boys were often sent off to the State Industrial School, reform school, because for no more than not having a family. I guess it is wise to say, if it is found in the court house, don't overlook it. You can find very valuable information in the most far fetched records. Happy hunting and best wished for a New Year. John Towles Morris